Fara's delight: Record breaker speaks of her pride

Monday 04 Aug 2014
Fara speaks to her friend and team-mate Alex Scott
In a special FATV interview with her long-term friend and team-mate Alex Scott, Fara Williams has spoken of pride in earning her record-breaking 130th England cap.

The midfielder was named in the starting eleven for England’s stunning 4-0 victory over Sweden at Hartlepool on Sunday – but insisted the result against one of the world’s best teams was what mattered most on the day.

She said: "It’s a massive achievement for myself, but more importantly we’ve performed very well against one of the top five teams – and made a top team look very average. 

England legend Gill Coultard presents Fara with her matchday shirt

"So credit to the way the girls set out and stuck to their gameplan and finished with a great result.

"Maybe when I go home and look back [at the achievement], but at the moment I don’t think it’s quite sunk in."

Before the team departed their hotel for Hartlepool, Williams was presented with a special commemorative shirt by England legend Gill Coultard – who herself appeared on 119 occasions for the Lionesses.

And Williams took time to recognise the role her friends and colleagues have played in helping her reach the landmark.

"Starting with Gill – she’s been massive for me," she added. 

"I think to get that many caps in her era is a fantastic achievement. 

"She was the only one in her time that got past 100 caps. And to help players like us be able to take the game to where it is now is massive.

“I’m grateful to all the people that have been around me over the years to support me.”

Fara Williams 

"And Rachel Yankey is certainly someone I looked up to as a young kid. 

"Everybody knew the name Rachel Yankey at Arsenal and she was definitely one who was a real inspiration to all the kids out there.

"Especially you Al – you’ve supported me along the way. 

"And I’m grateful to all the people that have been around me over the years to support me and help me through, at times, difficult situations."

And finally, with 130 caps to her name where does the record-breaker go from here. 

For Williams the answer was simple.

"130 not out."

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer